Pep Guardiola issues spiky Jack Grealish response as Lee Carsley risks Man City wrath

Pep Guardiola has issued a blunt response to the injured Jack Grealish being named in the latest England squad. The midfielder has been out since October 20 after picking up a groin injury in his side’s win over Wolves, and yet was named by Lee Carsley this week for the Nations League games with Greece and Ireland.

The 29-year-old has featured in just seven of his side’s 10 league matches this season, and Guardiola had previously predicted he would not be back fit until after the international break.

And when asked his thoughts on Carsley selecting him regardless, the Spaniard wasn’t in the mood to go into details.

“A question for the manager from the UK,” he replied. Asked if the development Grealish was available for the trip to Brighton on Saturday, Guardiola bluntly said “No.”

The entire media briefing lasted just six minutes, with Guardiola also swift when discussing if any of his injured players would return at the American Express Stadium. “No good news,” he said. “The same as Lisbon. The same guys who travelled, still they are there.”

Defeat on Saturday would see Guardiola lose four games in a row for the first time in his managerial career. And he was asked if he’d learnt anything about his squad amid their concerning run of form.

“Not absolutely anything because I’ve known them for nine years, they’ve proved many times what they are capable of. It’s not changed the opinion I have of them, it’s part of football, it sometimes happens.”

He also played down the significance of the recent defeats, which came in the Carabao Cup, Premier League, and then Champions League. “It’s different competitons,” he added.

However, the 53-year-old was more willing to talk when it came to discussing the job Fabian Hurzeler has done at Brighton. “I’m really impressed by the way they play,” he said.

“I think the director, chairman, made an incredible job there. Brighton made a lot of signings this season and he (Fabian Hurzeler) is doing an incredible job – personality, rhythm, the way they play is outstanding. Always, they have been tough since Graham Potter, away or home it doesn’t matter, and this will be no exception.”

City go into the game a point off leaders Liverpool following the 2-1 loss at Bournemouth last Saturday. The champions are set to travel with up to 10 first-team players missing.